How Much Does it Cost to Send Money Through Western Union?
When it comes to sending money internationally or receiving money from abroad, Western Union is one of the most popular options. However, many people are not aware of the fees involved in using Western Union for money transfer. Knowing the cost of sending money through Western Union is crucial in planning the transfer and budgeting appropriately. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about Western Union fees, how to minimize the cost, and compare Western Union with other money transfer services.
Everything you need to know about Western Union fees
Western Union fees come in different types and are calculated based on several factors. There are three main types of fees that Western Union charges: transfer fee, exchange rate fee, and extra transaction fees. The transfer fee is the cost of sending money through the Western Union network, while the exchange rate fee is the cost of converting one currency into another. Extra transaction fees include charges such as sending money to a bank account or using a credit card for payment.
The amount of money you are sending, the destination country, and the method of payment are some of the factors that influence Western Union fees. Western Union provides a calculator on its website that helps you estimate the fees for sending money from any country to any other country.
According to Western Union,
“We charge modest fees for sending and receiving money. Our fees vary depending on the amount of money you’re sending, where you’re sending it from, and where you’re sending it to. You can easily check our fees online using our fee estimator tool.”
Calculating the cost of sending money through Western Union
When sending money through Western Union, there are two main costs involved; the transfer fee and the exchange rate fee. The transfer fee varies depending on the amount being sent, the destination country, and the payment method. The exchange rate fee, on the other hand, is calculated based on the conversion rate between the sender’s currency and the receiver’s currency. Western Union may profit from the difference between the exchange rate it offers to customers and the mid-market exchange rate.
It’s essential to check the exchange rate before sending money and compare it with other money transfer services to determine the best deal. Some senders have reported that Western Union exchange rates are not competitive and can significantly affect the total cost of sending money.
Comparing Western Union Fees with other Money Transfer Services
Western Union is not the only option when sending money abroad. Several other money transfer services offer similar services at different fees. Some of these services include PayPal, TransferWise, and MoneyGram.
PayPal charges a percentage of the amount being sent as a fee. TransferWise, on the other hand, charges a percentage of the amount being sent plus a fixed fee. MoneyGram charges a flat fee for sending money. The fees charged by these services may vary depending on the amount being sent, the destination country, and the payment method.
To determine which money transfer service is the best option for your transaction, it’s essential to compare the fees and exchange rates of different services carefully.
How to Save Money on Western Union Fees
While Western Union fees are not the cheapest when compared to other money transfer services, there are ways to minimize the cost of sending money through Western Union. One way is to send larger amounts as the transfer fee decreases with the increase in the amount being sent. Another way is to choose the payment method carefully. For example, sending money through a bank account is typically cheaper than using a credit or debit card.
Another way to save money on Western Union fees is to avoid rushing the transaction. Western Union offer different fees for different delivery speeds. Choosing the standard delivery speed rather than expedited shipping can save you money on transfer fees.
Understanding the Factors that Affect Western Union Transfer Costs
Several factors can affect the cost of sending money through Western Union. These factors include:
- The destination country
- The amount being sent
- The payment method
- The exchange rate offered by Western Union
- The time to deliver the money
It’s essential to consider these factors when planning a Western Union transfer to minimize cost.
Real-life examples: How much it costs to send money through Western Union
Here are some real-life examples of how much it costs to send different amounts of money through Western Union:
- Sending $100 from the US to Mexico costs $5 when transferred online or $9 when paid in cash at a Western Union location. The exchange rate offered by Western Union is MXN21.16/USD for online transfers and MXN20.44/USD when paying in cash.
- Sending $500 from the US to the UK costs $26.50 when transferred online or $40 when paid in cash at a Western Union location. The exchange rate offered by Western Union is GBP0.7708/USD for online transfers and GBP0.7498/USD when paying in cash.
- Sending $1000 from the US to India costs $10 when transferred online or $20 when paid in cash at a Western Union location. The exchange rate offered by Western Union is INR74.88/USD for online transfers and INR72.39/USD when paying in cash.
These fees and exchange rates may vary depending on the location, amount sent, and payment method.
Conclusion
Western Union is a popular option for sending and receiving money internationally. However, it’s essential to be aware of the fees involved in using Western Union as they can significantly affect the total cost of transfer. By understanding how Western Union fees are calculated and comparing them with other money transfer services, you can save money on transfer fees. Furthermore, it’s crucial to consider the different factors that affect transfer costs when planning a transfer.
Overall, Western Union remains a reputable and reliable option for sending and receiving money internationally. By following the tips shared in this article, you can minimize the cost of sending money through Western Union and make the most out of your money transfer needs.
